This workshop is part of the summer celebration series: Healing Earth
For millennia, in this land and others, the drum was known to be a means of healing. The heartbeat of the drum is the heartbeat of our Mother Earth. When we drum, we reconnect to that sacred space, offer meditations and prayers for healing. We honour our ancestors, the land, air, water, and all living things.
This workshop is offered to all who wish to reconnect to that sacred heart beat and participate in bringing the drum back into our collective consciousness, which ultimately means bringing more healing into the world.
As a result of the inter-generational impacts of colonization, the drum was lost in many communities. Included in the fee is a sum which will be used to provide a drum to someone who does not have the resources to make a drum of their own. Come make drums and make a difference.
SESSION 1
DRUM MAKING, DRUM PULLING AND STICK MAKING - SATURDAY, JULY 22
Participants will be guided by drum maker Paul Carl to create a traditional Anishinaabe (First of original peoples) hand-drum with deer skin hides and red cedar frames.
SESSION 2
DRUM AWAKENING, COMMUNITY POTLUCK AND DRUM CIRCLE - SUNDAY, JULY 29
New drums will be awakened at a ceremony performed by Julie Vachon using prayers, songs, a drum circle, potluck feast, and a traditional give-away for the new drummers.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADERS
PAUL CARL Pazindan animitagozi ombaashi noodin ‘Obiziindan animitagozi noodin’ is Bear Clan of Algonquin, Oneida and European ancestry and is acknowledged by elders as a traditional man in his community. He is currently working at the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program at Queen’s University.
Paul, along with other men in his community, feels there is need to promote awareness and pride in the city regarding the Aboriginal community and its long and sometime forgotten history in the area.
JULIE VACHON is a woman of mixed ancestry who has been on a healing journey since 1995. With the help of wonderful elders and many ceremonies Julie has been able to overcome many challenges. The drum called her and helped her find her voice, grow spiritually, and connect with her ancestry.
She is passionate about working with women, leading circles, workshops and ceremonies. Julie has been teaching at Wintergreen since 2014.